ANTARCTIC EXPLORATION.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 11825, 30 November 1901, Page 5

ANTARCTIC EXPLORATION.

THE DISCOVERY AT LYTTELTON.

INCIDENTS ON THE VOYAGE. [BY TELEGRAPH. —PRESS ASSOCIATION.]

Lyttelton, Friday. The exploring steamer Discovery came in at a-quarter to twelve p.m. yesterday. She was met by the pilot, and brought to an anchorage in the stream.

The doctor passed her this morning. She has been, swinging and adjusting compasses, and has not come up_ to tee wharf.

The Mayors of Cliri.stchurch and Lyi-tel-ton and the Reception Committee welcomed the party this forenoon.

Cheistcht/bcii, Friday. The Discovery, on the way from the Cape, made a deviation south, entering the packice in latitude 63, longitude 141, in order to try to get a sight of Adelie Land or Cote Clarie, but the object was not attained. Being pressed for time the vessel put about, and headed for Lyttelton. A short stay was made at Macquarie Islands, and a few hours spent in collecting sea fowl and their eggs. During the run across serial magnetic observations were taken continually, and whenever possible soundings were also taken. Some interesting specimens were also obtained. The Discovery is said to have behaved herself extremely well, both during hor trip across and during her brief experience in the pack. With regard to the sensational rumour cabled that she had been leaking badly, it is laughed to scorn, and Captain Scott declares it to have been a gross exaggeration. The vessel had been leaking, it is admitted, but not a great deal mare than is customary in the case of a new wooden vessel on hermaiden trip. In any event the vessel will be docked here for cleaning purposes, and to tighten up the caulking. The operation is necessary in the case of all new wooden vessels. It is probable also that during her fortnight's stay at Lyttelton the whole of the stores will be discharged and reloaded, and the vessel will take away with her a substantial deck load of coal. When, off Cape Saunders the vessel had a curious visit, a flock of sparrows, presumably driven off the land by a gale, alighting upon her. Some of the birds were so exhausted as to drop dead on deck.